Prehistoric Archaeology of Near East

General information

The Centre for Prehistoric Archaeology of the Near East (PANE) is the only institution of its kind in Europe to focus on the study of prehistory of the Near East, which makes it unique within the academic world.

To make sure that our students gain the most comprehensive knowledge base possible and are able to continue their studies at foreign universities, the prehistory in the Near East is studied in a broader cultural-historical, anthropological, and scientific context.

The main special feature of our programme is applied research; this focus has been enabled by practical experience gained in Syria during archaeological research from 2006 to 2010.

The study programme has several main features. It focuses on archaeological field research and practical experience, maintains and develops a network of international contacts, works on a multilingual platform, leaves ample room for further development, interdisciplinary collaboration, and new trends, is aimed at students, and is sensitive to current developments in all spheres related to archaeology (related scientific disciplines, media, communities, etc.). The field requires at least a basic understanding of contemporary intellectual and social discourses.

Our vision is to open the gates of the field to students from the Czech and Slovak Republics. The main goal of our newly accredited English programme is to eliminate the language barrier and establish English as the main teaching language, thereby offering a full-scale study opportunity to all students regardless of nationality. In addition to English, our students receive intensive language training in contemporary languages spoken in the Near Eastern region, specifically Arabic and Turkish. During their studies, students also learn the basics of ancient languages (Sumerian, Akkadian, and Old Babylonian). The integral connection to cultural anthropology is particularly important. We do not want to study only ‘dead cultures’ but to study humankind in all its complexity, including the knowledge of today’s culturally diverse communities. We pursue intercultural dialogue through our direct experiences with the contemporary cultures of the Near East in the areas where we conduct our research. Our curriculum is gradually enriched with courses that respond to current topics and new trends in cultural anthropology, support the students in interdisciplinary collaboration, and give students opportunities for further development. Finally, our study programme has been designed to allow an individual approach with an emphasis on active and responsible students. We offer students the opportunity to participate in running the department and the library, and to cooperate in organizing various public lectures, workshops, and other events. Everything is based on mutual trust and an open relationship between teachers and students within one team (a good starting experience for demanding field research abroad). Our students are expected to have a higher degree of responsibility, independence, and adaptability.

A successful graduate is able to

be well oriented in the problems of prehistoric archaeology of the Near East (from the Palaeolithic Era to the end of the fourth millennium BC)

have an overview of the history, religion, culture, and languages (Sumerian, Old Babylonian, and Akkadian) of the ancient Near East (Bronze and Iron Ages), and a fundamental cultural and historical overview of the subsequent periods.

have a basic knowledge of applied cultural anthropology and ethnographic field research

behave appropriately and function within a culturally different environment (intensive instruction in Arabic and Turkish)

work with English-language literature, participate in English-language discussions, and present papers in English

Graduate employment

The main aim of the Prehistoric Archaeology of the Near East study programme is to produce practically oriented specialists who will excel in their field and be able to find employment in both the domestic and the European labour markets. Graduates of the Bachelor’s degree study programme will be prepared both for further scientific work and for work at various cultural and educational organizations such as museums, publishing houses, and other non-governmental institutions.